Ireland’s Leitrim Tourism launches search for Leitrim ambassadors in the US

Irish based, Leitrim Tourism, is in New York to launch a recruitment drive to increase the number of Leitrim Ambassadors in the US
Photo by: Facebook

Irish based, Leitrim Tourism, is in New York this week to launch a recruitment drive to increase the number of Leitrim Ambassadors in the US. The initiative is targeting people who come from Leitrim and are now living in New York, and the US, and is encouraging them to become advocates of their native county by creating awareness of what’s on offer and encouraging others to consider the beautiful county in the West of Ireland for future vacations.

The search for ambassadors was officially initiated last evening in the well known New York based Irish bar, Rosie O’Gradys. A large Leitrim contingent attended the event all entertained by famous Leitrim son, writer and actor, Seamus O’Rourke.

The event coincides with a GAA match which sees Leitrim’s Senior team take on New York in the Connacht Senior Football Championship. The highly anticipated match takes place in Gaelic Park at 3pm on Sunday, 5th May. The quarter final of the Connacht championship is expected to attract a large crowd to Gaelic Park where Leitrim Tourism officials will be on hand to meet natives of the county and encourage them to take part in this new initiative.

In order to continue the success of the Gathering initiative Leitrim folk are being encouraged to tell their friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues about the County of Leitrim and to increase people’s awareness of what’s on offer to those who visit. This initiative seeks to build on the success of the 2013 year of the Gathering and encourages people to consider Lovely Leitrim for a future vacation next year and beyond.

Commenting at the event, Sinead McDermott from Leitrim Tourism said, “There are many Irish people from County Leitrim living in the United States, some of whom haven’t visited their homeland in many years. We are here today to let them know they are very welcome and that there is plenty to do in County Leitrim! We’re delighted with the turnout which demonstrates just how much Leitrim is loved by its natives”

Cathaoirleach (Chairman), Leitrim County Council, Enda Stenson also commented at the launch event saying, “We are well aware of how important word of mouth is particularly when advising on vacations. We are encouraging Leitrim people to spread the word about the great county we live in. There are so many things to see and do. In recent years the quality and capacity of visitor accommodation stock has been increased and our visitor attractions and activities have been added to – so there is something for everyone.”

He concluded, “I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the Leitrim Senior team all the best against New York. Leitrim Tourism representatives will be on hand to support the team and we’re looking forward to meeting fellow Leitrim people and friends at the match.”

2013 marks the 400th anniversary since the county Leitrim town of Carrick on Shannon was granted a charter by King James the first. To celebrate this historic occasion a year-long festival programme of events will be held throughout 2013 incorporating the arts, music and sport.

For the latest news on County Leitrim and to see what’s on offer follow Leitrim Tourism on Facebook or Twitter.